AT just 12 years old, she might be the most dangerous girl in the world.
Kim Jong-un’s daughter emerged from her dad’s armoured train for the “Axis of Evil” summit this week – and experts warn she could be the hermit kingdom’s next dictator.
AFPKim Jong-un pictured arriving with his daughter Kim Ju-ae (R) in China this week[/caption]
APShe has been groomed into tyranny, experts warn[/caption]
AFPThe tyrant is speculated to appoint her his successor[/caption]
After a lifetime of being bred to lead as a tyrannical despot, Kim Ju-ae should be seen as a sign that the Kim dynasty is “not going anywhere soon”, analysts say.
And the leader’s daughter, who is believed to be either 12 or 13, is now regarded as Kim’s most likely successor, South Korea’s Spy Agency claims.
Her bombshell appearance at the summit flanking her dad proved to North Korea-watchers that she is a dictator in waiting.
It marked the first time Kim took his daughter to China for a state visit.
Kim himself was designated as successor by his dad Kim Jong-il when he was just eight years old.
But there is no evidence that he ever attended state visits or overseas trips.
Other analysts say the China visit could serve as invaluable experience for the girl, who needs to get used to showing strength on the world stage.
South Korean spies have long warned that Ju-ae is the tyrant’s heir apparent.
Although she is yet to be officially designated his successor, she has set tongues wagging since late 2022, attending numerous events alongside her infamous father.
The China visit is the latest but strongest indication confirming her fate.
South Korean think tank spokesperson Cheong Seong-chang told The Telegraph the scenes in China showed “she was being treated as No 2 of North Korea not only at home but also abroad”.
Footage from the last few years has also shown Ju-ae wearing identical outfits to her father on public outings.
The twinned clothes provide a striking clue that Kim is signally his oldest daughter out for succession.
It is also believed Ju-ae is a huge Gucci fan.
ReutersThe girl is believed to be 12 or 13 years old and reportedly loves Gucci and skiing[/caption]
APShe first appeared in the public in 2022[/caption]
Home-schooled, horse-loving, ski-obsessed Ju-ae first appeared on the scene at the end of 2022, walking hand in hand with her father to gleefully watch a ballistic missile test.
It seemed to many observers that Kim was placing the crown upon the head of his once secretive child. From then on, she quickly began appearing out and about with him more.
The tightly-controlled state-run media, who had never even hinted at her existence before, suddenly declared her as his “most beloved child”.
What do we know about Kim Ju-ae?
by Harvey Geh
KIM Ju-ae, believed to be around 12 or 13 years old, is the eldest daughter of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un and his wife Ri Sol-ju, and she is increasingly being groomed as a potential successor.
She first appeared publicly in November 2022 during a missile launch, walking hand-in-hand with her dad, instantly drawing international attention.
In September 2025, she made her international debut when she accompanied Kim Jong-un to Beijing for a military parade, signalling her growing role in state affairs.
State-controlled media have referred to her as both the “beloved” and “respected” daughter, titles usually reserved for high-ranking officials, underlining her emerging prominence.
Ju-ae has been spotted in matching outfits with her dad, including statement leather coats and designer sunglasses, suggesting she is being taught to project power and style simultaneously.
Analysts, including South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, now view her as the likely heir to her father, although formal succession plans have not been announced.
If she eventually ascends to power, she would become the first female leader in North Korea’s dynastic history, making her rise both unprecedented and highly symbolic in a male-dominated society.
In February, 2023 Kim brought his daughter to work – to mark 75 years since his country’s army was founded.
The young possible heiress joined him for a banquet for military officials in a surprisingly similar outfit – black suit, white shirt, pale tie.
According to insider reports, she’s been dubbed the “Morning Star General” and has now gone from being a “beloved” child to a “respected” child.
But she isn’t the only candidate waiting to pounce on power.
EPASince 2022 she has made multiple public appearances alongside her dad[/caption]
APKim and his daughter watch a rocket from an undisclosed location[/caption]
Her aunt, Kim’s sister, Kim Yo-jong, is widely seen as the second most influential person in the hermit kingdom.
She was also in Beijing, pictured with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin.
Until Ju-ae’s appearance into the public eye, Yo-jong was considered the most likely successor to the North Korean dictator.
Despite rumours of ill-health and apparent obesity, 41-year-old Kim Jong-un remains the true leader.
And whoever is most likely to become his successor will be made clear when he makes an outright appointment.
AFPShe has often been pictured wearing similar clothes to her dad[/caption]